Alexis DeJoria makes NHRA Funny Car history at Pomona Winternationals

By
Autoweek Staff

Feb 7, 2014

Gary Nastase

Alexis DeJoria became Funny Car's fastest woman on Saturday night as history was made at the 54th annual Circle K NHRA Winternationals. She became the first woman ever to run in the three-second zone with a pass of 3.997 seconds in her 10,000-hp Kalitta Motorsports Patrón XO Cafe Toyota Camry Funny Car at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

DeJoria became the ninth Funny Car driver to join the coveted "three-second club" as she powered her XO Cafe hot rod down the 1,000-foot stretch at 318.32-mph during the third qualifying session.

“It feels absolutely amazing to come out to the first race of the season in Pomona, Calif., and make a three-second run, and be a part of that exclusive 'three-second club.' I always knew we had it in us; it was just a matter of time,” said DeJoria. “We've learned so much. We've got an awesome car, and everything has really come together. I'm so proud of my guys, and so excited we were able to make history in front of all of our family and friends, in our new car with our new colors. This definitely sets the tone for what is sure to be an awesome season.”

Out of 21 cars, the 3.997-sec. ET held up to be the low of the session, allowing DeJoria the advantage of three bonus points. DeJoria goes into Sunday's eliminations qualified in the No.3 spot on the 16-car ladder, and will face Gary Densham in the first round of eliminations at the season-opening event.

Meanwhile, Doug Kalitta was top qualifier in Top Fuel, while John Force held onto the No. 1 spot in Funny Car after setting a national record on Friday. Vincent Nobile is the top seed in Pro Stock.

DeJoria wasn't the only woman making waves at Pomona on Saturday, as Brittany Force, daughter of John Force, had a career-best pass of 3.778 seconds at 326.24 mph in Top Fuel. She is eighth in the field and will face Richie Crampton, the No. 9 seed, in the first round of eliminations.

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